HUDS RELISHING TOP-FLIGHT KICK-OFF

Cardiff City Captain Mark Hudson cut an eager figure at the Club’s Vale Pavilion training complex on Wednesday morning, on learning the Barclays Premier League fixtures ahead of the 2013/14 campaign.

The Bluebirds will travel to West Ham United on Saturday, 17th August, looking to replicate the success enjoyed at Upton Park on the opening weekend of the 2011/12 Championship season when an injury time Kenny Miller strike secured the three points.

“We watched West Ham last season following their promotion from the Championship the previous year, and we saw how well they did,” said Hudson.

“To go there on the opening day will be a great test for us, while having Manchester City first up at home will be a massive occasion and huge for our supporters.

“Those derby fixtures are going to be something else too; we play Swansea at Cardiff City Stadium in November and then go to their place early in the New Year. To have the South-Wales derby in the Premier League is fantastic and it’s something a lot of people have been looking forward to for a very long time. Those games are going to be eagerly awaited, for sure.”

And the skipper was rightly optimistic ahead of the season’s kick-off as to how he believed the Club would compete on their first voyage back in the top-flight of English football since 1962, adding: “We know it’s going to be hard next season, which is always the case for newly promoted sides.

“We’re under no illusions as to how tough it’s going to be in the Premier League; but now we’ve finally made it, we’re here to compete.

“Pre-season is starting to shape up now and we’ve got a good schedule lined up ahead of the Premier League kick off on August 17th. The staff do things right here though and we’ll be fully prepared, while I’m sure there will be a few people coming in to bolster the squad. These are exciting times for Cardiff City Football Club.”